FREAK GENES - Hologram LP

The synth punk duo of Charlie Murphy and Andrew Anderson, work at a prolific rate. The pair play in a handful of bands (Proto Idiot, Hipshakes, Queasy Pieces), almost as if Freak Genes wasn’t keeping them busy with four albums over the last five years.

Never slowing down, their fifth album picks up where last year’s Power Station left off. The band’s nervous and taught brand of synth punk is definitely heavy on the punk and post-punk side of that description, keeping a terse edge and hypnotic din.

The atmosphere throughout Hologram feels like we’re heading directly into a grim future, without much of anything we can do about it, but Freak Genes are providing the soundtrack as we rise up against the robotic empire (or you know… just want to listen to some futuristic punk). It’s heavier at times and groovier at others, with a constant buzz and radiant energy.

RIYL: The Units, Fad Gadget